Analysing Gene Expression: Possibilities and Pitfalls - A Handbook of Methods: 2 Volume Set

This book combines the experience of 225 experts on 900 pages.

Scientists worldwide are currently overwhelmed by the ever-increasing number and diversity of genome projects. This handbook is your guide through the jungle of new methods and techniques available to analyse gene expression - the first to provide such a broad view of the measurement of mRNA and protein expression in vitro, in situ and even in vivo. Despite this broad approach, detail is sufficient for you to grasp the principles behind each method. In each case, the authors weigh up the advantages and disadvantages, paying particular attention to the automated, high-throughput processing demanded by the biotech industry. Completely up to date, the book covers such ground-breaking methods such as DNA microarrays, serial analysis of gene expression, differential display, and identification of open reading frame expressed sequence tags. All the methods and necessary equipment are presented visually in more than 300 mainly colour illustrations to assist their step-by-step reproduction in your laboratory. Each chapter is rounded off with its own set of extensive references that provide access to detailed experimental protocols. In short, the bible of analysing gene expression.

The book provides a broad view of the molecular biological and biochemical methods which are now available to analyse the expression of mRNAs and proteins in different cells and tissues. Despite the broadness of the apporach, sufficient detail is provided to enable the reader to grasp the inherent principle of each method. Attention is especially paid to the relative advantages and disadvantages of each method. Information about newer methods such as DNA-chips, digital expression pattern display, and total analysis of gene expression is also included.

The book is an indispensable reference tool for professional scientists in biochemistry, molecular biology, and medicine. It will also be of particular interest to commercial enterprises in the biotechnology field including companies involved in pharmaceuticals, diagnostics and therapeutics.